Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

Churches in close proximity to Sabina Park in Kingston are not expected to experience serious dislocation during the staging of matches for Cricket World Cup 2007.

The local organisers of the event and the leadership of a number of churches in the area have worked out arrangements to facilitate services during match days.

The North Street Seventh-day Adventist Church located at the corner of North and James streets falls within the blue zone, an area within the vicinity of the stadium. On match days, only vehicles with accredited stickers will be allowed access to this area.

On Saturday, March 17, Ireland goes up against Pakistan at Sabina Park in one of the first-round matches.

In negotiations

Manley Phillips, pastor of the North Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, said he was in negotiations with the local organisers of the tournament to determine an appropriate entry and exit point to the premises for members of his congregation. On average, 400 to 600 members attend services on a Saturday.

Pastor Phillips told The Gleaner tha he had sent the licence numbers of several vehicles belonging to members of his congregation for accreditation, to date he has not received the stickers.

Bishop John Hewitt, pastor of the Bethel United Apostolic on South Camp Road, said restrictions would not affect the services, as these would be relaxed by nightfall.

With no matches set for Sundays, the churches with services on that day have nothing to worry about. However, if the match on March 17 was rained out, the event would be held the following day.

According to Bishop Hewitt, in that case the church would have to implement a contingency plan. This, he said, would involve accessing the premises from a rear entrance on Glenmore Road off South Camp Road.

However, finding adequate parking facilities would be a challenge for members of the congregation who drive.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com